Chris Scholtz previews the Newcastle and Caulfield meetings on November 18 with selections for all races plus Trial Watch and Blackbook runners.
NEWCASTLE November 18
Best Bets
RACE 6 (3) SKY LAB: Astute Newcastle stable is sure to have set this G1 placegetter for this with his luckless last start sixth in the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) when less than two lengths from the winner in a bunched finish indicating he is in the right form. His career is littered with high rating Group performances up to 2400m and also includes a 2200m win in a $1 million race at the Gold Coast. Expect him to run to his best on his home track.
RACE 9: (11) TAVI TIME: Lightly raced talent had nothing more than a barrier trial when strongly fancied first-up over 1400m at Randwick as he was never tested after being badly held up for clear running from the turn. He won second up over 1550m in his last prep and it's a big plus returning to his home track with a 4kg drop in weight from his Randwick seventh.
RACE 10: (6) PHEARSON: Strong effort second up when a close second in the Goulburn Cup (1400m), adding to his impressive record of finishing in the first two in 10 of his 13 starts. Sure to take improvement from that outing and nicely placed in this class over this trip. Race map points to him crossing from wide gate to keep the leader in his sights.
Selections
RACE 1: (2) MARKET MAGIC; (1) Gram; (5) Erno's Cube; (4) Efharisto
RACE 2: (5) RESISTIBLE; (2) Toesonthenose; (6) Modern Millie; (4) Cosmic Field
RACE 3: (13) CAPTAIN UNDERPANTZ; (4) Satay Chicken; (8) Skyforger; (2) Rematch
RACE 4: (3) PORTRAY; (5) Lekvarte; (1) Zoe's Promise; (6) Hide Your Heart
RACE 5: (12) I'MINTOWIN; (6) Pervade; (4) Camaguey; (2) King Of The Castle
RACE 6: (3) SKY LAB; (5) Stroke Of Luck; (9) Canberra Legend; (2) Stockman
RACE 7: (4) SLY BOOTS; (13) Kind Words; (9) Until Valhalla; (12) Just In Time
RACE 8: (1) MAZU; (15) Dajraan; (6) Coal Crusher; (14) Opal Ridge
RACE 9: (11) TAVI TIME; (8) Sweet Mercy; (6) Oakfield Waratah; (9) Pandano
RACE 10: (6) PHEARSON 1; (8) Ka Bling; (7) Capo Strada; (1) Much Much Better
Why They Can Win….
RACE 1: (1) MARKET MAGIC- Sharp trial winner from top 2YO stable. Certain to jump and run.
RACE 2: (5) RESISTIBLE - Well placed getting to this third up. Could control this from good draw.
RACE 3: (13) CAPTAIN UNDERPANTZ - Rates well with weight drop off impressive Queensland win. This big track suits his style.
RACE 4: (3) PORTRAY – Maps to get a soft run. Should have no excuses.
RACE 5: (12) I'MINTOWIN - Impressive Sydney debut running fast time. Extra trip a query but rates to win on the limit.
RACE 7: (4) SLY BOOTS - Appeals as one of the better improvers in a tricky race. Will appreciate stepping up in distance.
RACE 8: (1) MAZU - Has had excuses this prep in the best G1 races. Strong trial has him on song again.
CAULFIELD November 18
Best Bets
RACE 7: (3) SKYBIRD
RACE 10: (2) SHE DANCES
For Value
RACE 8: (15) CROSSHAVEN
RACE 9: (11) RED SUN SENSATION
Selections
RACE 1: (1) DUNKEL; (4) Let'srollthedice; (5) Saint Bathans; (3) Ulysses
RACE 2: (10) FORBIDDEN CITY; (6) Robusto; (4) Meridius; (9) First Mate
RACE 3: (6) MARACANA; (2) Tobaysure; (10) Mr Mojo Risin'; (7) Place Of Gold
RACE 4: (2) SALTAIRE; (12) Miraval Rose; (3) Divine Glory; (7) Commemorative
RACE 5: (7) SEMILLION: (9) Prowling; (4) Hypothetical; (11) Sghirripa
RACE 6: (1) ARKANSAW KID; (2) Brace Mead; (3) Snapback; (4) The Instructor
RACE 7: (3) SKYBIRD; (2) Coeur Volante; (6) Joliestar; (1) Kimochi
RACE 8: (15) CROSSHAVEN; (3) Strait Acer; (11) Magic Time; (7) Ayrton
RACE 9: (11) RED SUN SENSATION; (5) Maktoob; (3) Brayden Star; (10) Convener
RACE 10: (2) SHE DANCES; (1) Queen Of The Ball; (6) Fortunate Kiss; (3) Rose Quartz
TRIAL WATCH REPORT
NOTED TRIAL RUNNERS – November 15-18
NEWCASTLE SATURDAY: Gram (R1); Market Magic (R1); Erno's Cube (R1); Military Expert (R8); Dajraan (R8); Manbehindthemoney (R9)
KEMBLA GRANGE SATURDAY: Against The Law (R2); Parade Ground (R4)
SCONE MONDAY: Satin And Silk (R5)
RECENT TRIAL WATCH WINNERS: Jagjit; Northumbria; Hard To Say; Quick Tempo; The Hawkesbury; Intervarsity; Way To The Stars; I'mintowin; Sharkim; Watch My Girl; Storm The Ramparts; Trapeze Pleasure; World Alliance; Chrysaor; Mumbai Muse; Yankee One; Estephania; Gai's Artist; Kazou; Shangri La Express; Influential; Up To Mischief; Dream Hour; Luton Hoo; I Am Me
TRIAL POINTERS
WARWICK FARM November 8: MILITARY EXPERT looked good running to an easy win in his 1200m trial.
HAWKESBURY October 16: Keep an eye on the Godolphin maiden PARADE GROUND. Looked open to improvement on a good placing in his 1000m heat.
BLACKBOOK REPORT
ELIGVIBLE BLACKBOOKM RUNNERS – November 18-19
ASCOT SATURDAY: War Gem (R3); My Bella Mae (R7)
NEWCASTLE SATURDAY: Stroke Of Luck (R6); Rustic Steel (R8); Colour Sergeant (R9); Ka Bling (R10)
CAULFIELD SATURDAY: Let'srollthedice (R1); Saltaire (R4); Commemorative (R4); Vivy Air (R7); Munhamek (R8); Crosshaven (R8); Rose Quartz (R10)
TAREE SUNDAY: Rogue Bear (R7)
RECENT BLACKBOOK WINNERS: Schwarz; I've Bean Tryin'; Storm The Ramparts; Without A Fight; Stroke Of Luck; Crackerjack Prince; Pesto; Sharp Shock; Attrition; Territory Express; Magic Time; Queen Of Dragons; Foujita San; Airman; Vienna Princess; First Immortal; Espiona; Archo Nacho; Satness; Wolfy; Unspoken; Recommendation; Snapback
BLACKBOOKERS – Selected November 11
(Follow for next 3 starts)
AMOKURA; FINEPOINT; KIN; RUE DE ROYALE; SUMO STAR
